MURFREESBORO — Upon meeting the Air Force veteran-turned-restauranteur, it may be difficult to imagine Doug Krupla was in the bar business for about 20 years.

A family man with a flair for storytelling, “Dugger” — as he is known to almost everyone — is at home in the kitchen, mixing up everything from a signature fried chicken batter to insanely hot sauce for his wings’ challenge.

It was his desire to spend more time cooking and with his family that led him to take his Northfield Boulevard business from karaoke bar to family buffet.

“I was spending more time at the bar and always, always working nights, holidays,” Krupla says. “I’m very lucky to have a second chance. It was time to retire from the bar business.”

Part of the appeal is that Krupla’s son, Nick, is close by, swathed in an apron, helping to create the recipes on the buffet.

“A lot of the recipes came from the two of us,” Nick Krupla says.

“If you want bland food, go some place else,” the elder Krupla jokes.

On the menu: The macaroni and cheese, a staple of the home-style buffet, has a subtle peppery punch, and the white beans have a smoky flavor.

The hand-battered chicken strips and fried chicken have a flaky, crunchy crust over juicy meat.

“We have a secret ingredient,” Krupla says. “I could tell ya, but I’d have to kill ya.”

The buffet includes a salad and baked potato section, and then home-style vegetable sides and meats. You’ll find meatloaf, pork chops, chicken and roast in the mix, along with corn, green beans, greens, steamed carrots and plenty more.

While there is no set rotation, a variation of fan favorites is always available, Krupla says.

“People may come in for fried okra, and while we may not have that specifically, I’ll have some type of okra on the buffet,” he adds. “And there is no way that any of the food is more than half an hour on the buffet. We make everything in small batches.” This includes desserts and cookies, which are served warm and straight from the oven.

What’s the cost: During the week lunch is $6.99 for the buffet, with dinner being $8.99. The cost is a dollar more for the weekends for both lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. This is due the addition to hand-carved turkey, ham, and beef on the buffet for those days.

Children younger than age 3 eat free, age 3 to 5 meals are $2.99 and ages 5 to 12 eat for $4.99.

What to know: Family-friendly music plays in the restaurant, which sets a fun vibe for a meal out.

Off to the side of the restaurant is a large Western-style-decorated party room for events, and Dugger’s offers catering in and out of house. Call for menus and pricing.